Revised Common Lectionary Links

Comment: Steed Davidson encourages preachers to “[read] this passage from the perspective of the widow [to] help in recentering these characters — the socially and economically vulnerable — and making them more than simply the objects of charity. This widow fights valiantly to offer life to herself and her son for as long as she is able to do so.” (http://www.workingpreacher.org/preaching.aspx?commentary_id=2611) In Tarpley’s story, Mrs. Wade has limited financial resources and fights valiantly to keep her bookstore open. Even in the midst of personal hardship both the widow and Mrs. Wade extend hospitality and care. Using this text and story, invite your congregation to share their stories of giving and receiving hospitality.

Comment: As he writes to the Galatians, Paul describes his shift from his earlier role in life as persecutor of the church, towards living out his calling proclaiming of Christ among the Gentiles. Paul moved from the role of persecutor to advocate, or put in terms young children will understand, from a bully to a friend. In Seeger’s story Bully, like Paul, transforms from a bully to a friend. Use the book Bully to help young children explore and understand Paul’s change of heart.

Comment: I wonder why Jesus said, “Don’t weep,” to the widow. Was it because he knew he could bring her son back to life and she would no longer need to grieve? Sometimes we can’t fix people’s problems the way Jesus did. In those moments we can make a safe space for people to express whatever they might be feeling. Let My Colors Out is the story of a child whose mom has cancer. The child describes different feelings through colors and ends saying, “I don’t have to feel guilty or ashamed about my feelings. They are a part of me. I can let my feelings go. I can let my colors out. I can hope that someday things will be right again.”